The Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ in Madison has severed ties with a Boy Scout troop because of the organizations policy of excluding gays from membership and leadership positions, the Associated Press reports. The Scouting policy is inconsistent with our policy of affirming and welcoming gay and lesbian people, said the Rev. Winton Boyd, the congregations pastor. The First Congregational Church is also considering cutting ties with a troop it has sponsored for 80 years because of the Boy Scouts stance, said Jerry Hancock, a member of the churchs board of directors. The Wisconsin churches are the latest in a string of organizations that have relinquished ties with the Scouts after the U.S. Supreme Court in June upheld the groups ban on gay Scout leaders. Wisconsin United Way organizations are also considering withdrawing their support of the Scouts.